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Liverpool fan Russell was a promising footballer and played for Worcester College of Technology Academy, which is linked with Worcester City.

His manager, Rhys Goode, said the 'cheeky player' would be dearly missed by the team.

He said: 'He was a genuine Jack the lad sort of joker - really nice lad and down to earth, always making people smile or laugh.

'A very popular lad'.

He added: 'I know the young lads go up the quarry to have a good time but it’s a shock to hear that sort of thing happening.'

Friends said Russell O'Neill was a talented footballer who played for Worcester College of Technology Academy

Russell's parents left a note to their Liverpool-supporting son at the quarry where he died, as did many others

Dangers: Local residents said others had drowned before in Gullet Quarry, near Upper Colwall, in Herefordshire

There are numerous signs around the quarry warning of swimming in the water which still contains old equipment

A friend of Russell's said he had got into trouble while trying to swim across the deep quarry.

Tributes were also paid on Facebook, where Russell's sister Lisa O'Neill wrote: 'The heavens took an angel yesterday afternoon, Russell O’Neill our brother and uncle to our girls, a superstar son. We are so heartbroken'.

A friend, Lewis James Mills, wrote: 'I can’t believe it. Russell O’Neill, one of the nicest, most genuine people I’ve ever met, taken way too soon.'

Following the tragedy West Mercia Police, who say they are not treating the death as suspicious, issued warnings about the dangers of swimming in unsupervised waters.

Detective Inspector Richard Rees said: 'This appears to have been a tragic accident and our thoughts are with the boy’s family and friends at this sad time.

'While it is too early to give a cause of death, we would like to take this opportunity to remind people about the dangers of open water.

Ignoring the warnings: There were swimmers in the quarry yesterday despite someone having died there

'With the warm weather upon us and the school holidays approaching, we would advise people to think twice about going into local rivers, lakes and canals in order to cool off.'

Local resident, Bill Frankly, 68, said: 'That quarry must be 100ft deep in the middle. When they left they left a crane in there and I think it's still stood upright in the water hidden from view.

'In the past a lad who jumped off the cliff hit the side and broke his back as he went down. It's dangerous to try and swim or dive.'

The quarry, that sits in the picturesque Malvern Hills, bears a warning sign from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service stating: 'There have been three fatalities from downing in the last six years and multiple serious injuries from swimming in these waters.'